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Is Ahava Cruelty-Free?
Ahava is NOT cruelty-free.
Is Ahava Vegan?
Ahava claims that all of their products are vegan. However, since Ahava tests their products on animals, I do not consider any of their products to be vegan.
Is Ahava PETA Certified?
No, Ahava is not PETA Certified.
Is Ahava Leaping Bunny Certified?
No, Ahava is not Leaping Bunny Certified.
Is Ahava Owned By A Parent Company That Tests On Animals?
Ahava was purchased by a Chinese corporation in 2016.
From Their FAQ
“Cruelty-free” has no legal definition. Any brand can claim “cruelty-free” even if they do test on animals.
Some brands like to say that they are “cruelty-free” because it is a marketing buzzword to sell more products.
The only way to find out is to ask the company. One important question to ask is if their products are sold in China.
Ahava admitted to me that they test on animals when the government requires it. This means that they sell their products in China.
Animal Testing in China
Animal Testing is required by law in China for all foreign cosmetics companies. All American and European cosmetic brands that are sold in China must undergo animal testing.
Any brand that chooses to sell its products in China cannot be considered cruelty-free.
Even products that can bypass mandatory tests may still be pulled from the shelves by Chinese authorities to be tested on animals.
Is Ahava Sold in Mainland China?
Since Ahava was purchased by a Chinese corporation, it is pretty safe to assume that they are sold in China.
Here is a screenshot of their official Chinese website (ahavachina.cn):
Vegan and Cruelty-Free Alternatives to Ahava Products
Biossance
Biossance is a cruelty-free and vegan skincare brand that believes in pioneering sustainable beauty through biotechnology.
Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Botanicals is a cruelty-free and vegan brand that was created by a husband and wife duo in their attempt to create plant-based, food-grade skincare from scratch.
OSEA Malibu
OSEA Malibu is a vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic skincare brand created in 1996. They were the first company to sign The Compact for Global Protection of Safe Health and Beauty Products. This means that all of their products are free from ingredients that are strongly suspected or known of causing cancer, mutation, or birth defects.
Sade Baron
Sade Baron is a vegan and cruelty-free brand that was created by a Canadian mother-daughter duo, Sade and Rachel Baron. They wanted to create a line of high-quality, vegan body care products to replenish, moisturize, and prep your skin to look and feel its best.
Skyn ICELAND
Skyn ICELAND is a vegan and cruelty-free brand that draws on the natural resources of Iceland- from its mineral-rich glacial water to its nourishing botanicals- plus the latest scientific advances to create nature-based skincare with utterly modern results. All products are made without parabens, petroleum, sulfates, or mineral oil.
Shop the full list of 100% vegan and cruelty-free brands.
Email to the Company
Before classifying any brand as cruelty-free and vegan, I send them an email with the following questions:
- Are your products vegan? If only some are vegan, which ones?
- Are any of your products or ingredients tested on animals?
- Do you have a Leaping Bunny or PETA certification?
- Do your suppliers or any third parties test animals on your behalf?
- Does your company sell products in mainland China (except Hong Kong)?
- Are you owned by a parent company that tests on animals?
Here is how Ahava responded:
Thank you for contacting us at AHAVA. We are committed to your satisfaction.
This email is to inform you that all AHAVA face and body care products are:
– Free of Parabens
– Free of SLS/SLES (all cleansers)
– Free from petroleum, harsh synthetic ingredients, GMOs
– Vegan based ingredients (no animal ingredients)
– Allergy tested and approved for sensitive skin
– Recyclable packages
AHAVA is committed to sustainability. We are vegan and have always been; we do not use any animal ingredients or test on animals unless required by law.